Markram hails 'incredible' South Africa bowlers in Afghanistan win

Aiden Markram praised South Africa's bowlers following their nine-wicket victory over Afghanistan to book their place in the T20 World Cup final.

The Proteas were forced to bowl first, having lost the toss, but reduced their opponents to 28-6 in 6.3 overs as Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada starred.

Afghanistan were bowled out for 56 after just 11.5 overs, and despite the early loss of Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks and Markram steered South Africa into their maiden men's world cup final.

"(We were) fortunate to have lost the toss, I guess. We also would have batted, so we got a bit of luck with regards to that," Markram said at the presentation ceremony. "But the bowlers still had to get it in the right areas.

"They got enough balls in the right areas and made life really tough for the Afghanistan batters. So, credit to them.

"They've been incredible throughout this whole competition for us. They've kept things really simple and sort of assessed conditions and adapted their plans accordingly. And they've been incredible for us so far."

FINAL BOUND | #SAvAFG The dream continues, South Africa! For the first time in history, the Proteas are through to the ICC T20 World Cup Final. See you in Barbados! #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt#OutOfThisWorld #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/yW7n6vgyrI

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 27, 2024

It proved to be third time lucky for South Africa, having lost both of their previous semi-final appearances at the tournament.

"Chuffed to have got it over the line. A lot of our games have been really close," Markram said on his side's narrow wins during this year's tournament.

"And I know there (have been) a lot of people back at home in the early hours of the morning, waking up, and we (have been) giving them a lot of grey hairs.

"So, hopefully, this evening was a little bit more comforting for them."